Importance of Soft Skills

Studies by Stanford Research Institute and the Carnegie Mellon Foundation and fortune 500 CEOS established that 75% of long term job success resulted from soft skills mastery and only 25% from technical skills . Researcher at Boston University , University of Michigan’s Ross school of Business found that workers with soft skills training are 12% more productive than those without them . Harvard University reported that 85% of success at the work place is attributed to soft skills and only 15 % to technical skills . From the above Analysis , we can see that the skills that pays off forever makes you more likeable ,helps in getting ,retaining the job is soft skills. Now the question is – what actually is the soft skill ? Soft skills are synonyms for “ Peoples skill” , Interpersonal Skills and “Transferable skills  “ . Soft skill refers to a cluster of personal qualities ,habits , attitudes & social graces that makes someone a good employee & compatible to work with . Unlike Hard skill which are basically technical skills specific to job , soft skills are broadly applicable which include common sense , the ability to deal with people and a positive flexible attitude . Some of the key soft skill are : –

1. Empathy Team work   3. Leadership  4. Good communication   5. Problem solving  6. Creativity  7.  Negotiation    8. Decision Making  etc .

Applications of Soft Skill :

1. To handle interpersonal relations
2. To take appropriate decision
3. To communicate effectively
4. To have good impression & impact to gain professional development

Benefits of soft skills

1. Professional accomplishments
2. Lifelong credentials
3. Recognition
4. New employment opportunities
5. Promotes creativity
6. Crucial for self reflection .

What happen when a person doesn’t possess soft skill :

1. Lack of Satisfaction
2. Poor Influence in Group
3. Criticisms in all levels of life.

Hard Skills helps to acquire employment & soft skills helps to ensure the employability . Hence , it is essential to integrate hard skills with soft skill to fast track the career . Considering the competitive job markets , recruitment criteria donnot stop at technical ability and specialist knowledge . Recruiters will be looking for people who can become leaders and leadership itself depends on several key soft skills .